A washer comprising an automatic dosing unit

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to washer ( 1 ) comprising a body ( 2 ), a tub ( 3 ) that is disposed within the body ( 2 ) and wherein the washing/drying processes are performed, a housing ( 4 ) that extends from the outer surface of the body ( 2 ) to the interior of the body ( 2 ), a dispenser ( 5 ) that is disposed inside the housing ( 4 ) and that has more than one division ( 6, 106 ) wherein the cleaning agents are stored, and a dosing unit ( 9 ) enabling the desired amount of liquid cleaning agents to be transferred to the tub ( 3 ).

The present invention relates to a washer comprising an automatic dosing unit.

The use of liquid cleaning agent in washers like washing machines and laundry washer/dryers is becoming widespread. Accordingly, in order to provide ease of utilization, automatic dosing units are developed for the liquid cleaning agent to be stored in a receptacle and to be delivered into the wash water controllably depending on the requirement of the washing program. The common characteristic of state of the art systems is having tanks that store the liquid cleaning agent, mechanisms enabling these tanks to be filled by the user and hydraulic systems that can deliver the correct amount of the cleaning agent into the washing medium. More than one solution exists in order to perform the dosing process. Some of these solutions are the submersible pumps placed into the tanks wherein liquid cleaning agents are filled and the hydraulic systems that suck the cleaning agent with the vacuum effect and transfer into the washing medium. The control of the dosing amount is one of the features that is desired to be performed in due time.

In the Patent Application No. EP2428607, a washing machine is disclosed that performs automatic dosing and wherein the dosing pump is disposed on the detergent dispenser.

In the Patent Application no. CN102409515, a washing machine is disclosed wherein the detergent is dosed from the detergent dispenser by using the Venturi effect.

The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washer wherein the liquid cleaning agents are stored in a receptacle and mixed into the wash water controllably.

The washer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof comprises a body, a tub that is disposed within the body and wherein the washing/drying processes are performed, a housing that extends from the front side of the body towards the interior of the body, a dispenser that is placed into the housing and that has more than one division wherein the cleaning agents are filled, a dosing unit that is disposed at the rear side the housing, that has at least one receptacle and at least one dosage pump mounted to the housing and having a liquid flow connection with the housing, and at least one liquid transfer mechanism that is disposed between the dispenser and the dosing unit receptacle and that provides flow between the dispenser and the dosing unit receptacle only when the dispenser is seated in place.

Preferably liquid cleaning agent is used in the washer of the present invention. For users who prefer using powder cleaning agents, the dispenser also comprises a powder cleaning agent division. The liquid cleaning agent division of the dispenser can hold cleaning agent for more than one washing, for example for 50 washing. An extra receptacle separate from the dispenser is used in order to transfer the cleaning agent from the dispenser to the dosage pump. Using an extra receptacle instead of a pipe for transferring the cleaning agent, prevents the suction power of the dosage pump from decreasing and enables the necessary space for mounting the dosage pump. The dosing unit preferably comprises two receptacles used for liquid detergent and the softener and two dosage pumps. The receptacles and the dosage pumps forming the dosing unit are positioned at the rear side of the housing and adjacent to the housing. In the washer, hoses are used for transferring the liquid cleaning agent. The dosage pumps are connected to the underside of the housing by the hoses.

In the washer of the present invention, a liquid transfer mechanism is used for providing flow connection between the dosing unit receptacles and the dispenser. When the dispenser is placed into the housing, the cleaning agent flows from the dispenser towards the dosing unit receptacle by means of the liquid transfer mechanism and when the dispenser is pulled from the housing, the flow is interrupted. The suction end of the dosage pump extends from the upper side of the receptacle towards its base. The dosage pump pumps the cleaning agent filled into the receptacle towards the lower side of the housing and mixes it with the wash water.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the liquid transfer mechanism comprises at least one valve that functions unidirectionally at the rear wall of the dispenser remaining inside the housing and at least one pusher disposed at the point the housing joins with the dosing unit. The pusher enters into the valve of the liquid transfer mechanism when the dispenser is seated into the housing and actuates the elements like shutter, spring etc. in the valve, thereby allowing liquid to flow from the dispenser into the dosing unit receptacle. When the dispenser is dislodged from the housing, the pusher is separated from the valve and the liquid flow into the dosing unit receptacle is interrupted. By means of the unidirectional valve in the liquid transfer mechanism, the cleaning agent does not spill out of the dispenser.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the receptacle is placed at a lower level with respect to the dispenser in order for the liquid cleaning agent filled into the dispenser to flow into the receptacle. Thus, the liquid cleaning agent fills into the receptacle easily with the effect of gravity and the cleaning agent is prevented from accumulating at the base of the dispenser.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a peristaltic pump is used for dosing. Dosing can be performed precisely by means of precisely adjusting the desired amount of flow in the peristaltic pumps.

In an embodiment of the present invention, one or more than one retainer is disposed on the upper exterior surface of the receptacle. The dosage pump situated in the housing is mounted on the receptacle by means of the said retainer.

In an embodiment of the present invention, at least one socket is disposed inside the housing, adjacent to the upper wall of the housing, that enables the electrical connections of the dosage pumps to be made. The dosage pump is energized by means of the socket. In the situation the dosage pump malfunctions due to any reason, the service personnel can easily take out and change the dosage pump.

The dosing unit of the present invention is suitable to be used in washing machines, laundry washer/dryers or dishwashers.

Since the liquid cleaning agent can be stored for a large number of washing processes in the washer of the present invention, the user is not required to fill in the cleaning agent at the start of each process. By means of the liquid transfer mechanism of the dispenser, the dispenser can be dislodged by being pulled out and can be cleaned easily. The extra cleaning agent receptacles located in the housing serve as auxiliary storage and enable the dosage pump to operate efficiently.

The washer realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

FIG. 1—is the front schematic view of a washer.

FIG. 2—is the perspective view of the housing, the dispenser and the dosing unit situated in a washer.

FIG. 3—is the top exploded view of a dispenser and two dosing units.

FIG. 4—is the perspective view of the pushers that actuate the valves transferring liquid from a dispenser.

FIG. 5—is the partial view of a dispenser and the valves situated at its rear side.

FIG. 6—is the perspective view of two dosing units.

FIG. 7—is the top perspective view of the housing.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

1. Washer

2. Body

3. Tub

4. Housing

5. Dispenser

6, 106. Division

7. Receptacle

8. Dosage pump

9. Dosing unit

10. Hose

11. Valve

12. Pusher

13. Liquid transfer mechanism

14. Retainer

15. Socket

The washer (1) comprises a body (2), a tub (3) that is disposed within the body (2) and wherein the washing/drying processes are performed, a housing (4) that extends from the outer surface of the body (2) to the interior of the body (2), a dispenser (5) that is disposed inside the housing (4) and that has more than one division (6, 106) wherein the cleaning agents are stored, and a dosing unit (9) adjacent to the housing (4), with flow connection between the housing (4) and itself, that has at least one receptacle (7) wherein the cleaning agents are stored for dosing and at least one dosage pump (8) that is disposed on the receptacle (7) and that sucks the cleaning agents in the receptacle (7) and enables them to be transferred into the housing (4) in order to be delivered to the tub (3) (FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 3).

The washer (1) of the present invention comprises at least one liquid transfer mechanism (13) that is disposed between the dispenser (5) and the receptacle (7), that provides flow between the dispenser (5) and the receptacle (7) of the dosing unit (9), that allows liquid flow from the dispenser (5) to the receptacle (7) of the dosing unit (9) when the dispenser (5) is placed into the housing (4) and that interrupts liquid flow from the dispenser (5) to the receptacle (7) of the dosing unit (9) when the dispenser (5) is pulled from the housing (4) (FIG. 4, FIG. 5).

In the washer (1) of the present invention, the housing (4) is preferably situated at the upper side of the body (2). The dispenser (5) wherein the cleaning agents are stored, is seated into the housing (4) and preferably extends up to the rear side of the body (2). The user pulls the dispenser (5) partially outwards and fills in the cleaning agents. The dispenser (5) comprises at least two divisions (6) extending along the length of the dispenser (5) for liquid cleaning agents such as liquid detergent, softener etc. and at least one division (106) for powder cleaning agents. The washer (1) can use liquid or powder cleaning agent as per the user preference. The divisions (6), wherein liquid cleaning agents are stored, can store cleaning agents for a large number of washing processes, for example in the amount to be used in 50 washing processes. The dosing unit (9) comprising the receptacle (7) and the dosage pump (8) is disposed inside the body (2), at the rear side of the housing (4) and adjacent to the housing (4). The dosing unit (9) comprises preferably two receptacles (7) for liquid detergent and softener and two dosage pumps (8). The receptacles (7) of the dosing unit (9) are preferably smaller than the volumes of the divisions (6) (for example large enough to store the cleaning agent required for 5 washings). The washer (1) of the present invention furthermore comprises hoses (10) that connect the dosage pumps (8) to the housing (4) (FIG. 4, FIG. 5, FIG. 6).

In the washer (1) of the present invention, the flow connection between the dispenser (5) and the receptacle (7) of the dosing unit (9) is provided by the liquid transfer mechanism (13). The dispenser (5), when placed into the housing (4), is connected to the receptacles (7) of the dosing unit (9) by means of the liquid transfer mechanism (13) and the liquid cleaning agents fill into the receptacles (7) of the dosing unit (9). The washer (1) delivers the required amount of cleaning agents, by controlling the dosage pumps (8) according to the user preference and parameters such as the weight of laundry to be washed, etc., to the lower part of the housing (4) by means of the hoses (10) and enables them to be mixed with the wash water.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the liquid transfer mechanism (13) comprises at least one valve (11) that is disposed at the rear portion of the dispenser (5) remaining inside the housing (4) and that enables unidirectional liquid cleaning agent transfer between the dispenser (5) and the receptacles (7) of the dosing unit (9), and a pusher (12) that is situated on the housing (4), at the point the housing (4) and the receptacle (7) of the dosing unit (9) joins. When the dispenser (5) is seated in place inside the housing (4), the pusher (12) enables the valve (11) to open by actuating the valve (11) and allows the liquid cleaning agent to flow unidirectionally from the dispenser (5) to the receptacle (7) of the dosing unit (9). When the dispenser (5) is pulled outwards, the pusher (12) enables the valve (11) to change to the closed position by separating from the valve (11) and interrupts the liquid cleaning agent flow. By means of the liquid transfer mechanism (13), the dispenser (5) provides the option of portable utilization, when, for example, the dispenser (5) is dislodged for purposes of filling in detergent or cleaning, the liquid cleaning agents are prevented from spilling out.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the liquid transfer mechanism (13) comprises a pusher (12) disposed on the dispenser (5) and a valve (11) disposed on the housing (4).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the receptacles (7) of the dosing unit (9) are positioned at a lower level with respect to the dispenser (5). Thus, the liquid cleaning agents poured into dispenser (5) are enabled to fill in the receptacles (7) of the dosing unit (9) by the effect of gravity and the dispenser (5) is entirely emptied.

In an embodiment of the present invention, a peristaltic pump is used as the dosage pump (8). It is known that the amount of occlusion can be adjusted precisely in the peristaltic pumps. Thus, the desired amount of liquid cleaning agent can be transferred from the receptacles (7) of the dosing unit (9) into the housing (4) and mixed with the wash water. The cleaning agent is prevented from being wasted by means of the use of the peristaltic pump.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the washer (1) comprises one or more than one retainer (14) disposed at the upper outer side of the receptacle (7) of the dosing unit (9). The dosage pump (8) is mounted to the said retainers (14) (FIG. 3, FIG. 6).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the washer (1) comprises at least one socket (15) that is on the upper wall of the housing (4) and that enables the electrical connections of the dosage pumps (8) to be made (FIG. 7).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the washer (1) is a washing machine.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the washer (1) is a laundry washing and drying machine.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the washer (1) is a dishwasher.

By means of the dosing unit (9) used in the washer (1) of the present invention, the washing process is performed by precisely dosing the amount of cleaning agent required for the washing process. The dispenser (5) not being connected to the other pieces thanks to the liquid transfer mechanism (13), provides convenience for the user in dislodging and cleaning operations of the dispenser (5) and the liquid cleaning agents are prevented from spilling out when the dispenser (5) is dislodged while full. The position of the receptacles (7) of the dosing unit (9) with respect to the dispenser (5) enables the liquid cleaning agents to flow entirely into the receptacles (7) of the dosing unit (9) and the cleaning agents are prevented from accumulating on the base of the dispenser (5). Precise dosing can be performed by the peristaltic dosage pump (8) and the user does not have to adjust dosing manually. 

1- A washer (1) comprising a body (2), a tub (3) that is disposed within the body (2) and wherein the washing/drying processes are performed, a housing (4) that extends from the outer surface of the body (2) to the interior of the body (2), a dispenser (5) that is disposed inside the housing (4) and that has more than one division (6, 106) wherein the cleaning agents are stored, a dosing unit (9) adjacent to the housing (4) with flow connection between the housing (4) and itself, that has at least one receptacle (7) wherein the cleaning agents are stored for dosing and at least one dosage pump (8) that is disposed on the receptacle (7) and that sucks the cleaning agents in the receptacle (7) and enables them to be transferred into the housing (4) in order to be delivered to the tub (3), characterized in that at least one liquid transfer mechanism (13) that is disposed between the dispenser (5) and the receptacle (7) of the dosing unit (9), that provides flow between the dispenser (5) and the receptacle (7) of the dosing unit (9), that allows liquid flow from the dispenser (5) to the receptacle (7) of the dosing unit (9) when the dispenser (5) is placed into the housing (4) and that interrupts liquid flow from the dispenser (5) to the receptacle (7) of the dosing unit (9) when the dispenser (5) is pulled from the housing (4). 2- A washer (1) as in claim 1, characterized in that the liquid transfer mechanism (13) comprising a valve (11) disposed on the dispenser (5) and a pusher (12) situated on the housing (4). 3- A washer (1) as in claim 1, characterized in that the liquid transfer mechanism (13) comprising a pusher (12) disposed on the dispenser (5) and a valve (11) situated on the housing (4). 4- A washer (1) as in claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle (7) that is positioned at a lower level with respect to the dispenser (5). 5- A washer (1) as in claim 1, characterized in that the dosage pump (8) that is a peristaltic pump. 6- A washer (1) as in claim 1, characterized in that one or more than one retainer (14) that is disposed on the receptacle (7) and that enables the dosage pump (8) to be mounted thereon. 7- A washer (1) as in claim 1, characterized in that at least one socket (15) that is disposed on the upper wall of the housing (4) and that enables the electrical connections of the dosage pumps (8) to be made. 8- A washer (1) as in claim 1, claims, which is a washing machine. 9- A washer (1) as in claim 1, which is a laundry washing and drying machine. 10- A washer (1) as in claim 1, which is a dishwasher. 11- A washer (1) as in claim 2, characterized in that the receptacle (7) that is positioned at a lower level with respect to the dispenser (5). 12- A washer (1) as in claim 2, characterized in that the dosage pump (8) that is a peristaltic pump. 13- A washer (1) as in claim 2, characterized in that one or more than one retainer (14) that is disposed on the receptacle (7) and that enables the dosage pump (8) to be mounted thereon. 14- A washer (1) as in claim 2, characterized in that at least one socket (15) that is disposed on the upper wall of the housing (4) and that enables the electrical connections of the dosage pumps (8) to be made. 15- A washer (1) as in claim 3, characterized in that the receptacle (7) that is positioned at a lower level with respect to the dispenser (5). 16- A washer (1) as in claim 3, characterized in that the dosage pump (8) that is a peristaltic pump. 17- A washer (1) as in claim 3, characterized in that one or more than one retainer (14) that is disposed on the receptacle (7) and that enables the dosage pump (8) to be mounted thereon. 18- A washer (1) as in claim 3, characterized in that at least one socket (15) that is disposed on the upper wall of the housing (4) and that enables the electrical connections of the dosage pumps (8) to be made. 